Comparison of ergonomic risks between conventional and remote ultrasound methods

• Grant number: 24/04188-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 23, 2024
• End date: July 22, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Preventive Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
• Grantee: Leonardo Dutra de Salvo Mauad
• Supervisor: Angelica Lang
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Saskatchewan (USASK), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/07258-5 - Measurement properties of biomechanical risk assessment instruments in workers and proposal for an ergonomic analysis, BP.DD

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are diseases that affect the upper limbs, lower limbs, or spine and are directly related to the different demands of tasks, physical environments, and the organisation of the body. There are different ways to measure and assess the risk, such as direct or indirect methods such as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) questionnaires, wearable motion capture devices, video recording of tasks, and posterior assessment. Objective: This BEPE Project counts with 3 objectives, being (1) to assess the difference between remote and conventional ultrasound exams; (2) to Validate HARM for ultrasound technicians in Saskatoon; (3) To compare wearable devices, questionnaires and software in risk analysis. Methodology: For each exam, the ultrasound technician will be outfitted with IMUs on their trunk and upper body to measure upper limb postural demands continually and recorded for further analysis. The videos will also be uploaded to AI software (Kinebot or TuMeke) for ergonomic analyses. Statistical analysis softwares like R, Excel, JASP and MatLab will be used and the analysis methods will be conducted according to the data normality and other assumptions for tests. The institution and researcher chosen have similarity with the scholar's project and the same aim population suffers from WRMDs doing the same activities, this shows the relevance of the abroad scholarship and to bring newer technology. The equipment and methodology will bring intellectual advances for both the scholar, the laboratory and the university hospital. All studies and its progressions are within the schedule and work plan.